Non-k-diagonality in the interlayer pair-tunneling model of high-temperature superconductivity

We investigate the effect of k-space broadening of the interlayer pairing kernel on the critical temperature T_c and the k-dependence of the gap function in a one-dimensional version of the interlayer pair-tunneling model of high-T_c superconductivity. We consider constant as well as k-dependent intralayer pairing kernels. We find that the sensitivity to k-space broadening is larger the smaller the width of the peak of the Fermi-level gap calculated for zero broadening. This width increases with the overall magnitude of the interlayer tunneling matrix element, and decreases with the bandwidth of the single-electron intralayer excitation spectrum. The width also increases as the Fermi level is moved towards regions where the excitation spectrum flattens out. We argue that our qualitative conclusions are valid also for a two-dimensional model. This indicates that at or close to half-filling in two dimensions, when the Fermi-surface gap for zero broadening attains its peaks at $(\pm \pi/a,0)$ and $(0,\pm\pi/a)$ where the excitation spectrum is flat, these peaks should be fairly robust to moderate momentum broadening.Comment: 10 pages including 4 figures, to be published in Journal of Low Temperature Physic

Critical properties of the N-color London model

The critical properties of $N$-color London model are studied in $d=2+1$ dimensions. The model is dualized to a theory of $N$ vortex fields interacting through a Coulomb and a screened potential. The model with N=2 shows two anomalies in the specific heat. From the critical exponents $\alpha$ and $\nu$, the mass of the gauge field, and the vortex correlation functions, we conclude that one anomaly corresponds to an {\it inverted} \xy fixed point, while the other corresponds to a \xy fixed point. There are $N$ fixed points, namely one corresponding to an inverted \xy fixed point, and $N-1$ corresponding to neutral \xy fixed points. This represents a novel type of quantum fluid, where superfluid modes arise out of charged condensates.Comment: 4 pages, 3 figures, new references added. Accepted for publication in Physical Review Letter

Spin-flip scattering and critical currents in ballistic half-metallic d-wave Josephson junctions

We analyze the dc Josephson effect in a ballistic superconductor/half-metal/superconductor junction by means of the Bogoliubov de Gennes equations. We study the role of spin-active interfaces and compare how different superconductor symmetries, including d-wave pairing, affect the Josephson current. We analyze the critical current as a function of junction width, temperature, and spin-flip strength and direction. In particular, we demonstrate that the temperature dependence of the supercurrent in the dxy symmetry case differs qualitatively from the s and dx2-y2 symmetries. Moreover, we have derived a general analytical expression for the Andreev bound-state energies that shows how one can either induce 0-{\pi} transitions or continuously change the ground-state phase of the junction by controlling the magnetic misalignment at the interfaces.Comment: 7 pages, 7 figure

Effects of c-axis Hopping in the Interlayer Tunneling Model of High-Tc Layered Cuprates

We consider the interlayer pair-tunneling model for layered cuprates, including an effective single particle hopping along the c-axis. A phenomenological suppression of the c-axis hopping matrix element, by the pseudogap in cuprate superconductors, is incorporated. At optimal doping, quantities characteristic to the superconducting state, such as the transition temperature and the superconducting gap are calculated. Results from our calculations are consistent with the experimental observations with the noteworthy point that, the superconducting gap as a function of temperature shows excellent match to the experimental data. Predictions within the model, regarding T_c variation with interlayer coupling, are natural outcomes which could be tested further.Comment: Latex file, 18 pages, 4 figures (postscript files included), to appear in Int. J. Mod. Phys.